Haiti Gets Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
On January 12, 2010, Haiti was struck with its most devastating earthquake resulting in a death toll of 200,000 as of February 4, 2010 and causing mass destruction to the country.
In addition to providing aid to Haiti, on January 15, 2010, the United States government designated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) which is a country designation to help Haitian nationals in the United States who are unable to return to Haiti due to the recent earthquake. A country is given TPS designation because temporary conditions such as ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary circumstances prevent nationals of a particular country from returning safely to their home.
To qualify for Haitian TPS, one must:
1. Be a national of Haiti or one with no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti and have resided continuously in the United States since January 12, 2010;
2. Not have been convicted of a felony or of 2 or more misdemeanors in the United States;
3. Have been continuously present in the United States since January 21, 2010 and meet certain immigrant admissibility and TPS eligibility requirements; and
4. Complete all TPS application procedures according to the Federal Register notice announcing TPS for Haiti.
The TPS registration period began on January 21, 2010 and will continue for 180 days from that date. Filing for TPS must occur during the 180 day registration period and the application package must be postmarked on or before the last day of the registration period.
It is important to have a thorough and well documented packet when applying for TPS. The success of a TPS application will depend on the details contained in the packet.
